what is a freshman seminar course

A Freshman Seminar is a small-group, discussion-based course open to freshmen only. It is designed to intensify the intellectual experience of first-year students by allowing freshmen to work closely with one faculty member on a topic of mutual interest.

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What does it mean to be a freshman?

A Freshman Seminar is a small-group, discussion-based course open to freshmen only. It is designed to intensify the intellectual experience of first-year students by allowing freshmen to work closely with one faculty member on a topic of mutual interest. The seminar format frees both instructor and students from the usual constraints of a lecture course, such as exams and …

What are freshman classes?

Jun 20, 2017 · The Freshman Seminar is a small (usually 15 to 20 students) class conducted by senior faculty member in a topic of interest to the students as well as the professor. Incoming freshman are asked to choose one of these classes when …

What is an incoming freshman?

A Freshman Seminar is a small, discussion-oriented class that is designed just for first-year students. Faculty who teach Freshman Seminars have developed the class around their particular interests, and students are able to learn in a small class environment from an expert in the field. What to expect in a Freshman Seminar:

What is freshman mentoring?

Freshman Seminars are designed specifically to enhance the first-year experience, and a great way for new students to start their university career. Each seminar is taught by a faculty member and is limited to 20 students. Freshman Seminars allow first-year students to interact in a smaller setting, connect with a faculty member, and become involved in a unique area of study.

What do u do in freshman seminar?

FYS provides an introduction to the nature of higher education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the university. The course is designed to help first year students adjust to the university, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills.

What is seminar freshman?

The freshman seminar is offered to give students experience working with faculty and other students in a broad, open conversation format, as well as using the writing, communication and critical thinking skills required in a university setting.Oct 12, 2021

What does a seminar course mean?

Seminars are often defined as small, discussion-based courses. Typically, students complete readings and assignments before the class and discuss major themes or topics during class.

Should I take a freshman seminar?

As such, it's not surprising that so many choose to forgo an optional first-year seminar (FYS). But studies show that enrolling in an FYS can boost student persistence and retention, in addition to introducing first-time students to essential resources and university services, such as academic advising.Aug 18, 2021

Why is a college seminar important?

First-Year Seminars Benefit Students: Learning Outcomes From study skills to critical thinking, first-year seminars commonly focusing on developing skills key to helping students succeed in their academic endeavors.

What is freshman seminar at USC?

Freshman Seminars The Freshman Seminar Program allows you to work closely with distinguished faculty members in a seminar environment. An engaging topic, an enthusiastic instructor, and a small discussion group — all in a once-a-week, 2-unit course. Learn more about the course offerings for Fall and Spring.

Are seminar classes easy?

Though some students view a seminar as an easier course than traditional college classes, these seminars still require a large amount of work. In a traditional seminar class, the professor will present students with a syllabus that tells them the materials and resources they need to read before the next class.

What is seminar example?

Examples of such seminars include personal finance, web marketing, real estate, investing or other types of seminars where the participants gain knowledge or tips about the topic of discussion.

What is the difference between a seminar and a class?

As nouns the difference between class and seminar is that class is (countable) a group, collection, category or set sharing characteristics or attributes while seminar is a class held for advanced studies in which students meet regularly to discuss original research, under the guidance of a professor.

What is high school seminar?

Seminars—small classes typically driven by discussion and other forms of active learning and in which students often take on teaching roles and responsibilities—offer tremendous opportunities for students and educators to make learning experiential, meaningful, and lasting.

How do seminars help students?

Attending a seminar has numerous benefits, including improving communication skills, gaining expert knowledge, networking with others and renewing motivation and confidence.

What is first-year seminar Penn State?

The First-Year Seminar (FYS) is a component of Penn State's revised General Education Requirement. The purpose of the First-Year Seminar is to introduce new students to an open and purposeful learning community, and to help them develop the habits and pleasures of good scholarship.

What is it?

This course is required for all incoming freshmen (and transfer students with less than twelve credit hours completed) and is offered in two different formats, ORI 110 Freshman Seminar and ORI 105 Orientation and Student Success.

Is it Required for You?

Students meeting one of the following criteria are exempt from Freshman Seminar:

Course Options

Freshman Seminar does require tuition & fees no matter which format you choose. We offer a traditional and online format (ORI 110 only) for your convenience. The online course does require you to meet with an advisor so be sure to plan for that meeting at least once during the semester.

How many credits does Xavier have for FYS?

You'll take a FYS within your first two semesters at Xavier. FYS is a rigorous, academic, 3-credit course. In the catalog, FYS is called CORE 100. Search under "Core Curriculum" to find these courses.

When did the Slow Food movement start?

Slow Food is an international movement that began in Italy in 1986, emphasizing Good, Clean, and Fair food. In this First Year Seminar, we will discuss the history, philosophy, and influence of the Slow Food movement worldwide while examining the problems with the modern agricultural machine both in a local and in a global context.

About the Program

Approximately seventy-five first-year seminars are offered each year across dozens of departments. Some provide an introduction to a particular field of study, while others take an interdisciplinary approach to a selected topic.

Application to First-Year Seminars

Students may apply online for first-year seminars; applications are typically due a few days before the start of the term.